Within a glass case on the upper level of the iconic Melbourne stadium is housed a neon pink suit performed in by the entertainer. His performance in front of a massive crowd of spectators was hailed as a major hit.
Perhaps you don't enjoy Robbie Williams. You might think he is the ultimate present to music in history. Alternatively, you may hold a balanced view, acknowledging that some songs are fantastic while others are terrible.
The key argument is that enjoyment can manifest in countless ways. Preferences differ. There is no universal formula to produce art or even the longest format.
The Unrivalled Depth of The Test Format
The traditional format boasts peerless complexity. One struggles to think of another sport where the outcome is so reliant upon external factors.
The climate, the session, the ball – the variables are numerous. Above all is the pitch.
If the format is a form of art, the pitch is the foundation on which the athletes create their art.
An Abstract Contest: The Melbourne Spectacle
The recent Melbourne match between the old rivals was an abstract version of cricket, the traditional sport dismantled and stuck back together in abstract form.
It must be stated this is not a justification of the surface which resulted in a triumph and the another short match of the Ashes battle.
Having 10mm of grass on the wicket, resulting in numerous dismissals tumbling in less than two days, is not a balanced duel between offense and defense.
A Rich Tapestry: The Essence of Test Cricket
But any notion this was a inferior show, one that should be footnoted as not a proper Test, is wide of the mark.
The format is a diverse canvas, a long history and counting. Sometimes, as seen at the MCG, the cricket ball does all sorts for the seamers. Other times, it turns square on a dust bowl. Sometimes, the pitch is flat as a pancake, other times it explodes.
The close matches are even more exciting due to the patience made during quieter periods.
Adjustment: The Real Challenge
Specific conditions are embraced more readily than others.
The debate in Melbourne was that the balance was skewed excessively towards the bowlers. That the skilled individuals were unable from demonstrating their skill.
This level of cricket is about finding solutions – interpreting the situation and adapting effectively. The best individual innings were made by world-class players. One line-up committed more errors than the other, and thus ended up second best.
Pure Elation: For Those Who Waited
Try telling the fans who have suffered 18 winless matches that this wasn't compelling.
In a corner of the ground, countless fans made noise and created an atmosphere, producing a festive mood in a stronghold of sport.
There was hope as the fielding side excelled, momentum when batters fought back, and unconditional love when the result was achieved.
Extreme Ends: The Spectrum of Test Matches
The MCG has previous experience with controversial surfaces. Eight years ago, a Test there featured a wicket with all the life of a pulled Christmas cracker.
That contest was a slog, with limited drama and endless boredom. This recent match and that slow Test are polar opposites of the scale – one is not more ideal, yet value can be attached to each.
Four Tests into the Ashes contest, it is the shortest games that will remain iconic in the history books.
"This isn't the end of Test cricket at all," commented a veteran. "The people who have been lucky enough to see these short time have been given some real entertainment. Different entertainment."
Baby Steps: A Glimmer of Hope
In the preparation to this Test, the skipper addressed the media like a man carrying the enormous pressure on his mind.
The team delivered for him, restoring the smile to his countenance.
Emerging talents delivered with vital performances. These are incremental gains, not nearly enough to secure long-term futures, but a foundation to use as a platform.
At the very least, this triumph joins other historic performances in dead rubbers.
As the crowd left into a beautiful night, the squad gathered on the field to commence their own celebrations.
Celebrate the win, lads. This victory was hard-fought.
